The Office of the President (OP) serves the entire University community: students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, its parent organization Sutter Health and co-affiliate Alta Bates Summit Medical Center (ABSMC), governing bodies, the public, and other external institutions or organizations.

The OP functions to enhance the values of the University and its mission, serving all divisions to demonstrate outstanding commitment to the education of our students, quality service, and institutional effectiveness. The OP is the "official first stop" point of service and reference for the University, directing individuals or groups to the appropriate office for information and further assistance.

The President is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the University, providing leadership, vision and direction to faculty, students, and staff as well as to external constituents. As primary advocate for the mission and educational purposes of the University, the President is the chief steward of institutional resources. Click here to read more about President Sharon Diaz's 40 years at Samuel Merritt University.

The Executive Director, Office of the President, (EDOP) supports the executive activities of the President, the SMU Board of Regents, and planning and policy bodies of the University. The EDOP is the senior communications officer of the University, and serves as the liaison with Sutter Health and ABSMC.

The Executive Director of Development (EDD) is responsible for raising funds from a variety of sources including foundations, corporations and individuals. The Office of Development and Alumni Affairs (DAA) is housed in the Office of the President.

The Director of Alumni Affairs organizes all alumni events and encourages the continuing involvement of alumni in support of SMU.

The Associate Director of Publications and Media Relations promotes Samuel Merritt University news and information to various audiences through the local, state and national media, and coordinates the production of SMU brochures and newsletters.